Prepare to encounter a vehicle unlike any other. The 1957 Spohn DV-13 Convertible, a remarkable coachbuilt custom car from Germany, is currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer.
This particular vehicle stands out not only for its extreme rarity – with only a handful ever constructed – but also for its undeniably audacious design. It even earned the “most audacious exterior” award at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, a testament to its unique presence.
Spohn’s Bold Design Philosophy
The DV-13 is a product of Spohn, a German coachbuilder renowned for its historical tradition of crafting exquisite bodywork for some of the world’s finest automobiles.
From Elegance to Audacity
Before World War II, Spohn’s bodywork adorned prestigious vehicles like Maybachs and Mercedes-Benzes, known for their sophisticated and elegant designs. However, in the post-war period, Spohn’s design philosophy evolved, embracing a significantly more “creative” and unconventional approach. The DV-13 is a prime example of this shift.
Its appearance has been likened to an unexpected fusion, perhaps a result of a “transporter malfunction” between a 1949 Cadillac and a Daimler SP250. It’s a design that can be an acquired taste, similar to unique culinary experiences or niche musical performances.
A Conversation Starter Like No Other
Despite its polarizing aesthetics, this car possesses an undeniable quality: it is arguably the greatest conversation starter of all time. If your desire is to be consistently asked, “What on earth is that thing?” at every stoplight and parking lot, then this custom roadster is your ideal ride. Its eccentric nature is truly unparalleled. Spohn’s customized creations are exceptionally rare, with fewer than two dozen believed to have been built.
The styling draws inspiration from various American show car concepts of the era, and perhaps, some more imaginative sources.
Mechanical Details and Performance
Beneath its highly unusual exterior, the Spohn DV-13 features a combination of classic automotive components.
Power and Drivetrain
The foundation of the DV-13 is a 1939 Ford chassis, providing a vintage base for the custom body. Power comes from a 330-cubic-inch V-8 engine, said to be sourced from a 1953 Cadillac. This provides a respectable amount of power for the era. The transmission is a three-speed manual, also reportedly from Ford. For braking, the car relies on drums at all four corners. Given the engine power and braking setup, it is suggested that the car likely accelerates “alarmingly faster than it stops.”
An Unexpected Concours Winner
The Spohn DV-13’s award-winning status at a prestigious event highlights its unconventional appeal.
Audacity Recognized
When one envisions a “concours award winner,” the image is typically of pristine, classically beautiful vehicles. This German custom build is decidedly different. Yet, it technically secured a trophy at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. This demonstrates that sometimes, fully committing to an audacious design can indeed be its own form of success, even on the highly traditional concours circuit.
This Spohn DV-13 stands as a testament to the idea that some vehicles are so unique, they loop back around to being undeniably cool, especially for those with a strong sense of humor and appreciation for automotive individuality.
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